Torsion axle - 1959

[rowdyATX]

I am weighing the option of replacing my axel or going through the labor of converting my current axel to electric brakes.

Does anyone have the measurement requires for the 59 Flying could to price the axel?

[bwoodtx]

You will hear some people say to go to a torsion axle and that is fine. I like the "pure" vintage look with the spring axle. However, I would change my axle to a more modern one with bigger spindles to allow for a 6x5.5 bolt pattern which will give you more wheel options in you don't stay with vintage wheels. Also the original axles are post WWII surplus that do not have the larger spindles and speed ratings for todays towing.

[rowdyATX]

I went to buy the brakes yesterday to covert my system to electric and by the time they talked me into repacked bearings and running wires, I was looking at nearly the price of just buying a new axel...
Plus, they were unsure if I would be able to mount it to my current set up....
I'm also a fan of the spring axels.

[bwoodtx]

Southwest Wheel is who I am going to buy mine from. I am going with a Dexter 3500# axle with electric brakes, nev-r-lube bearings and electric brakes.

[rowdyATX]

Drop or straight?

[bwoodtx]

It will probably be a straight. That way I can undersling it or oversling it-mount it below or above the springs depending on desired clearance.

[JimGolden]

Stay with leaf springs. They are less trouble in the long run.

Call Dexter, tell them what you have, and they will help you. I would recommend you get a heavy capacity axle with the big drum brakes, but then you use the proper leaf springs for the trailer weight. Should be the last axle you ever need.

Inland Andy may be able to hook you up. I know he does the torsion axles. Not sure if he can get you a leaf sprung one. If so, he's one stop shopping.

But, I wouldn't dream of changing it over. There is no good reason to. Wally went to the torsion axles because they have a lower parts count and are tougher when you're dragging them through a swamp in South America. If you're not going to be doing that, then a leaf spring setup will be superior (with shock absorbers). Wally never envisioned the trailer being 40 years old....

Rubber axles are great until they are 15-20 years old. Then you unbolt them and throw them away.

Best of luck whichever way you go,